Our first batch of Scotch Malt Whisky Society Outturn samples.

Two weeks ago, I received an email from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America (SMWSA) about a new program that they are starting whereby they will send samples of their newest Outturn offerings to various whisky bloggers across the country in order to get their opinions, and of course, create some buzz. Since I have attended several SMWSA Extravaganza events over the years (6 in total), and since Limpd has purchased various Society bottlings over the years which we have all enjoyed, I just couldn’t pass up this opportunity to get a sneak preview of their latest offerings.

Our first delivery contained four samples, and for my first review, I decided to go for Cask No. 7.69, which the Society describes as “Attractive as apple pie”. Here is a bit more information about this whisky from the SMWSA:

And now for my impressions of this whisky…

• Appearance: Pale yellow.
• Aroma: At 61.6% ABV, I had to let this whisky open up for at least 20 minutes before I could nose it at full strength. I don’t know if it’s the power of suggestion, but the first thing I smelled was Granny Smith Apple. After that initial aroma, I get cigar wrapper, vanilla, a touch of cinnamon, and a hint of grapefruit zest.
• Taste: Whoa! This baby has some heat to it! As soon as it hits your tongue, it warms from the middle to the tip with lots of white pepper intensity. At mid-palate, it turns to cinnamon spice with a bit of creamy sweetness in the background. Long, warming, and somewhat astringent finish with a faint cinnamon apple aftertaste.
• ABV: 61.6%

Once you let Cask 7.69 open up a bit, i.e. just let it sit in your glass to let the alcohol subside, this turns into one exceptionally smooth and highly drinkable whisky. According to The Whisky Portal website and their Society Distillery Decoder, distillery #7 is Longmorn. If this decoder is accurate, then I can now say that I have finally had a Longmorn. If they are all this good, then I have just added yet another distillery to my list of distilleries that I need to explore further. I really enjoyed this whisky and would definitely recommend it.

Thanks again to Gabby Shayne (click here to meet The Whisky Sisters) of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America for sending us this sample. 

Nominated for the Epikur Writer of the Year Award